St. David’s Day 2025

You’ve seen the Welsh Dragon flying high overhead. You’ve heard the Celtic songs of old in the air. You’ve tasted the lamb and leek soup and have a Welsh Oggie in hand as you’re on the way to pick up some Welsh Cakes for afternoon tea before catching the big parade. What day could it possibly be? It’s Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant of course!

St. David’s Day is celebrated on March 1st and celebrates Wales’ patron saint, Saint David. It is a time of national celebration and pride in Welsh identity.

Who is St. David?

The ancient legend of St. David is famous throughout all of Wales. However, as with all ancient tales, the story has different interpretations and versions – it can be difficult to separate the man from the myth.

The Myth

Saint Non is said to be the mother of David. She was impregnated by a local king of Ceregedon. One day a preacher was unable to preach in her presence, because of her pregnancy, it was then foretold that the child would grow to be a great preacher.

When news spread of the power of this boy, a local lord ordered him to be killed, however, a fierce storm made travel outside impossible and so David was safe, being born in a pool of light where St. Non lay, gripping a stone so hard that it was split, and this legendary stone is now held in the foundations of the altar of the church of Capel Non.

It is said that one day St. David was giving a speech to scores of people, and there were so many people that they couldn’t see the preacher. So, St. David performed the miracle of raising the ground on which he stood and raised high enough, so all the gathering could see him. A white dove then landed on David’s shoulder, and all there could see was that he was a blessed soul. This spot is said to be where the village of Llandewi Brefi stands now.

The Man

St. David the man was said to be a kind and pious Welsh man who established a strong Christian parish in South Wales, known as St. Davids. Here he taught his followers to refrain from eating meat and drinking beer, helping others to live a simple and pious life.

Why is St. David’s Day on the 1st of March?

St. David’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of March because it is believed to be the day St. David passed away in 589 AD. Over the centuries, this date became a day of national celebration, honouring the patron saint of Wales. Despite various efforts to make it an official public holiday, it remains an unofficial day of pride, marked by parades, concerts, and cultural events throughout Wales.

Why is the Daffodil a Symbol of St. David’s Day?

The daffodil is one of Wales’ national symbols, closely linked to St. David’s Day, though its connection is more recent. The daffodil (Cenhinen Pedr in Welsh, meaning “Peter’s leek”) became popular in the 19th century, partly due to its similar name to the leek (Cenhinen), which has a much older historical association with Wales. The leek was traditionally worn by Welsh soldiers in battle to distinguish themselves from their enemies and was also recommended by St. David himself as a symbol of Welsh unity. Over time, the daffodil emerged as a more visually appealing and widely adopted emblem, often worn on St. David’s Day alongside or instead of the leek.

Festivities

Every Year on St. David’s Day, or Dydd Dewi Sant, the Welsh people properly celebrate the Welsh St with a big parade. Caernarfon has an annual parade which features many people, including local schoolchildren. There’s also a leek eating competition which takes place in Caernarfon Castle. You can see many people wearing a daffodil pinned to their jacket as a sign of respect to Wales and to St. David on this special day.

How Can People Get Involved in St. David’s Day 2025?

There are plenty of ways to take part in St. David’s Day celebrations, whether you’re in Wales or elsewhere:

• Attend a Parade:  Caernarfon hosts parades featuring music, dancers, and Welsh cultural displays.
  • This year, the St David’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 1st, at 1:15 PM, starting at Slate Quay Car Park.
  • Everyone is welcome to join but be prepared for the event to be held in the Native Welsh Language.

• Wear Traditional Symbols: Pin a daffodil or a leek to your jacket as a show of Welsh pride.
• Enjoy Traditional Welsh Food: Cook or order classic Welsh dishes like Cawl (Welsh stew), Welsh rarebit, Bara Brith (fruit loaf), and Welsh cakes.
• Visit Historic Welsh Sites: Explore Caernarfon Castle, and us here at the Black Boy Inn – the oldest inn in Wales (established in 1522!)
• Enjoy a Welsh Choir or Concert: Many places hold Welsh music concerts featuring traditional and modern Welsh songs.

 

A True Taste of Wales at The Black Boy Inn

No St. David’s Day celebration is complete without a feast of traditional Welsh cuisine, and at The Black Boy Inn, we take pride in serving dishes that honour our heritage. Our menu is filled with authentic Welsh favourites, from a warming bowl of Cawl y Dydd (Soup of the Day) served with chunky bread, to the iconic Welsh Rarebit, a rich, flavourful cheese topping on locally baked sourdough. For something heartier, our Pei Cymreig (Welsh Pie)—slow-cooked beef with root vegetables in a rosemary-infused gravy, topped with cheese-glazed mashed potatoes—is a must-try. Meat lovers will savour the Roasted Rump of Lamb, a dish that perfectly showcases Wales’ finest produce, served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and gravy. And, of course, no Welsh meal is complete without a sweet treat—our Bara Brith-inspired desserts, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and Cheesecake of the Day are the perfect way to round off your meal.

Beyond the menu, the Black Boy Inn offers an unrivalled experience in the heart of Caernarfon, making it the best place to stay for St. David’s Day 2025. Just a stone’s throw from Caernarfon Castle, our historic inn provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with traditional décor, cosy rooms, and exceptional service. Whether you’re indulging in a pint of Welsh ale by the fire, feasting on Welsh cuisine, or relaxing in one of our beautifully restored rooms, the Black Boy Inn is the perfect place to celebrate the best of Wales—past and present.

 

Photos provided by creative commons, Caernarfon Town Council